LAS VEGAS – The admitted animosity between them didn’t stop Shakur Stevenson from complimenting Joet Gonzalez’s boxing skills.

Stevenson doesn’t think nearly as highly of the level of competition Gonzalez has faced in his seven years as a pro. The 2016 Olympic silver medalist is certain he’ll become by far the best opponent of Gonzalez’s career when they square off October 26 for the vacant WBO featherweight title in Reno, Nevada.

“I think it’s a huge step up,” Stevenson told a group of reporters following a press conference Friday at MGM Grand. “I don’t think he has faced this kind of competition. I feel like the highest person he fought was Rafael Rivera. And last I checked, [Rivera] said no to the fight with me.”

Rivera, whom Gonzalez edged by split decision in a 10-rounder 14 months ago, turned down a chance recently to box Stevenson on short notice. Mexico’s Rivera (27-4-2, 18 KOs, 1 NC) could’ve fought Stevenson on July 13 in Stevenson’s hometown of Newark, New Jersey, but he turned down that bout because he didn’t have enough time to make weight.

Stevenson instead knocked out Alberto Guevara in the third round that night at Prudential Center. The 22-year-old Stevenson knows his first world title fight will be much more difficult than his blowout of Guevara (27-5, 12 KOs).

“Yeah, I feel like it’s a step up for me,” Stevenson said. “I feel like Joet is a great fighter. I feel like he got great defense, he puts pressure. He’s got some type of power, he say. I don’t know about that.”

Christopher Diaz, whom Stevenson out-boxed easily in a 10-rounder April 20 at Madison Square Garden, is considered the best opponent Stevenson has faced since he made his pro debut in April 2017. Stevenson won’t know if Gonzalez is better than Puerto Rico’s Diaz (24-2, 16 KOs) until next month.

“I’ve gotta wait and see,” Stevenson said. “I can’t just say he better than Diaz, without being in the ring with him. So, once I get in the ring with him October 26th, I’ll tell you whether he was better than Diaz. But either way, I’m gonna come out victorious.”

Stevenson (12-0, 7 KOs) is the WBO’s No. 1 contender at 126 pounds. The 25-year-old Gonzalez (23-0, 14 KOs), of Glendora, California, is ranked No. 2 by the WBO.

They’ll fight for the featherweight title Mexico’s Oscar Valdez vacated to move up to 130 pounds. 

Keith Idec is a senior writer/columnist for BoxingScene.com. He can be reached on Twitter @Idecboxing.